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Deuteronomy 6:20

Deuteronomy 6:20 in Multiple Translations

In the future, when your son asks, “What is the meaning of the decrees and statutes and ordinances that the LORD our God has commanded you?”

And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD our God hath commanded you?

When thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the ordinances, which Jehovah our God hath commanded you?

And when your son says to you in time to come, What is the reason for these rules and laws and decisions which the Lord our God has given you?

In the future, when your children come and ask you, “What's the point of decrees and rules and regulations that the Lord our God ordered you to follow?”

When thy sonne shall aske thee in time to come, saying, What meane these testimonies, and ordinances, and Lawes, which the Lord our God hath commanded you?

'When thy son asketh thee hereafter, saying, What [are] the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which Jehovah our God hath commanded you?

When your son asks you in time to come, saying, “What do the testimonies, the statutes, and the ordinances, which the LORD our God has commanded you mean?”

And when thy son shall ask thee in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD our God hath commanded you?

And when thy son shall ask thee tomorrow, saying: What mean these testimonies, and ceremonies and judgments, which the Lord our God hath commanded us?

“In the future, when your children ask you, ‘Why did Yahweh our God command us to obey all these rules and regulations?’

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 6:20

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Deuteronomy 6:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כִּֽי יִשְׁאָלְ/ךָ֥ בִנְ/ךָ֛ מָחָ֖ר לֵ/אמֹ֑ר מָ֣ה הָ/עֵדֹ֗ת וְ/הַֽ/חֻקִּים֙ וְ/הַ/מִּשְׁפָּטִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוָּ֛ה יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵ֖י/נוּ אֶתְ/כֶֽם
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
יִשְׁאָלְ/ךָ֥ shâʼal H7592 to ask V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
בִנְ/ךָ֛ bên H1121 son N-ms | Suff
מָחָ֖ר mâchâr H4279 tomorrow N-ms
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מָ֣ה mâh H4100 what? Part
הָ/עֵדֹ֗ת ʻêdâh H5713 witness Art | N-fp
וְ/הַֽ/חֻקִּים֙ chôq H2706 statute Conj | Art | N-mp
וְ/הַ/מִּשְׁפָּטִ֔ים mishpâṭ H4941 justice Conj | Art | N-mp
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
צִוָּ֛ה tsâvâh H6680 to command V-Piel-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֥ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
אֱלֹהֵ֖י/נוּ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff
אֶתְ/כֶֽם ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 6:20

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יִשְׁאָלְ/ךָ֥ shâʼal H7592 "to ask" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
בִנְ/ךָ֛ bên H1121 "son" N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
מָחָ֖ר mâchâr H4279 "tomorrow" N-ms
This word means tomorrow or a future time. In the Bible, it is used to talk about what will happen next, like in Exodus 13:14 where it refers to the next day.
Definition: 1) tomorrow, in time to come, in the future 1a) tomorrow (as the day following the present day) 1b) in future time
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: time to come, tomorrow. See also: Genesis 30:33; Judges 19:9; Proverbs 3:28.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מָ֣ה mâh H4100 "what?" Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
הָ/עֵדֹ֗ת ʻêdâh H5713 "witness" Art | N-fp
This word refers to a divine testimony or witness, always in the plural form, and is used to describe God's laws. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy, emphasizing God's instructions. The word is about God's guidance.
Definition: testimony, witness
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: testimony, witness. Compare H5712 (עֵדָה). See also: Genesis 21:30; Psalms 119:24; Psalms 25:10.
וְ/הַֽ/חֻקִּים֙ chôq H2706 "statute" Conj | Art | N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a decree or law given by God, like the Ten Commandments. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy, guiding the Israelites' actions. This concept is essential to understanding God's expectations.
Definition: : decree 1) statute, ordinance, limit, something prescribed, due 1a) prescribed task 1b) prescribed portion 1c) action prescribed (for oneself), resolve 1d) prescribed due 1e) prescribed limit, boundary 1f) enactment, decree, ordinance 1f1) specific decree 1f2) law in general 1g) enactments, statutes 1g1) conditions 1g2) enactments 1g3) decrees 1g4) civil enactments prescribed by God
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: appointed, bound, commandment, convenient, custom, decree(-d), due, law, measure, [idiom] necessary, ordinance(-nary), portion, set time, statute, task. See also: Genesis 47:22; Nehemiah 1:7; Psalms 2:7.
וְ/הַ/מִּשְׁפָּטִ֔ים mishpâṭ H4941 "justice" Conj | Art | N-mp
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
צִוָּ֛ה tsâvâh H6680 "to command" V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
יְהוָ֥ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֵ֖י/נוּ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אֶתְ/כֶֽם ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 6:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Exodus 13:14 In the future, when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ you are to tell him, ‘With a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
2 Exodus 12:26 When your children ask you, ‘What does this service mean to you?’
3 Joshua 4:6–7 to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ you are to tell them, ‘The waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters were cut off.’ Therefore these stones will be a memorial to the Israelites forever.”
4 Joshua 4:21–24 Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future, when your children ask their fathers, ‘What is the meaning of these stones?’ you are to tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, just as He did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over. He did this so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, and so that you may always fear the LORD your God.”
5 Deuteronomy 6:7 And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
6 Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

Deuteronomy 6:20 Summary

Deuteronomy 6:20 is a verse about passing down faith and values to the next generation. It says that when our children ask about God's commands and laws, we should be ready to tell them about God's love and faithfulness, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:9. This verse reminds us to teach our children about God's ways, just like parents teach their kids about important life lessons, and to trust in His goodness and love, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28. By doing so, we can help them develop a strong foundation in their faith and relationship with God.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the context of Deuteronomy 6:20 and why is it important?

Deuteronomy 6:20 is part of a larger passage where Moses is instructing the Israelites to remember and obey God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:18-19, so that they may inherit the Promised Land, as promised in Deuteronomy 6:18 and Exodus 3:8.

What are the decrees, statutes, and ordinances mentioned in Deuteronomy 6:20?

The decrees, statutes, and ordinances refer to the laws and commandments given by God to the Israelites, such as the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21, which were meant to guide their relationship with God and with each other.

Why does the verse mention a son asking about the decrees and statutes?

The verse mentions a son asking about the decrees and statutes because it highlights the importance of passing down spiritual knowledge and values from one generation to the next, as emphasized in Psalm 78:4 and Deuteronomy 4:9-10.

How does this verse relate to our lives today?

This verse reminds us of the importance of teaching our children and younger generations about God's commands and laws, as seen in Proverbs 22:6 and Ephesians 6:4, so that they may know and follow Him.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can pass down my faith and values to the next generation, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 6:20?
  2. How can I create opportunities for my children or younger friends to ask questions about God's commands and laws?
  3. What are some of the decrees, statutes, and ordinances that are still relevant to my life today, and how can I apply them in my daily living?
  4. In what ways can I demonstrate my love and obedience to God, as commanded in Deuteronomy 6:5, so that others may see and be inspired to follow Him?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 6:20

And when thy son asketh thee in time to come,.... Or "tomorrow" (x); that is, in later times, as Jarchi interprets it; any time after this, and particularly after they were come into the land of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 6:20

And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD our God hath commanded you? When thy son asketh thee.

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:20

Deuteronomy 6:20 [And] when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What [mean] the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD our God hath commanded you?Ver. 20. What mean the testimonies?] Here we have a brief catechism, which is a course and practice of singular profit. Luther scorned not to profess himself discipulum catechismi: and the Jesuits, by the example of our churches, do catechise their novices.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:20

(20) What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments.—These three words appear for the first time together in the introduction to this discourse (Deuteronomy 4:45). The Law, or Torah, includes charges, and institutions, and requirements. The Decalogue itself is primarily the Torah; the charge which follows may come under the head of “testimony.” The “statutes” and “judgments” more properly describe the contents of the chapters from Deuteronomy 11-26 inclusive.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:20

Verse 20. And when thy son asketh thee, &c.] "Here," as Mr. Ainsworth justly remarks, "followeth a brief catechism, containing the grounds of religion." What mean the testimonies, &c.] The Hebrew language has no word to express to mean or signify, and therefore uses simply the substantive verb what is, i. e., what mean or signify, &c. The seven thin ears ARE, i. e., signify, seven years of famine. This form of speech frequently occurs.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 6:20

20–25. These verses return to a favourite theme of Deut.: the close relation between Jehovah’s Laws and His Deeds. When a future generation shall ask the meaning of the Laws it shall be referred to the Lord’s deliverance of the nation from bondage in Egypt and His conduct of them to the land He promised. Having thus made them a nation, He would now preserve them as such by the Laws which He commands. These vv., throughout in the Sg., expand Deuteronomy 6:7 a, and contain nothing which leads us to doubt their originality. See on Deuteronomy 6:24.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 6:20

SermonDescription
Russell Kelfer God's Truth About the Home by Russell Kelfer In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of passing down the teachings of God to future generations. He references Deuteronomy chapter 4, verses 9 and 10, which instru
Don Courville Desert Survival Series Pt 31- Moses the Servant of God by Don Courville In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects our love for God. He acknowledges that people often forget the specific details of sermons, bu
Chuck Smith Judges 2:7 by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith emphasizes the cyclical nature of Israel's history in the book of Judges, where each generation experiences God's power, only to forget Him in times of prosperity. He h
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 12:1-2 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of the Passover feast and the death of the firstborn. He emphasizes that redemption is achieved through the blood of Jesus a
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 13:14-19 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and into the Promised Land. The Israelites were not initially prepared for warfare, so G
Zac Poonen All Our Children Belong to the Lord by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the act of dedicating children to the Lord, drawing parallels between Old Testament practices like the dedication of the firstborn and the Passover feast to
Art Katz The Blood of the Lamb by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the significance of the sacrificial lamb in the Bible. He explains that the lamb's death was necessary for the nation and the world, as it sy

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